Brassiere construction

ABSTRACT

A brassiere construction comprising a pair of U-shaped members to which fabric breast cups are secured, having a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape in which the longer dimension extends radially of the curvature thereof and in which the respective U-shaped members are hingedly connected so that they may be disposed between a foldable overlying position and an operative wearing position. An improved hinge construction is also provided to limit the relative rotation of the respective Ushaped members in the operative wearing position.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Stephen Paterson Forest Hills, NY. [21 I Appl. No. 800,862 [22] Filed Feb. 20, 1969 [45] Patented Sept. 28, 1971 (73] Assignee S. 8! S. Industries, Inc.

Bronx, N.Y.

[54] BRASSIERE CONSTRUCTION 10 Claims, 5 Drawing Figs. [52] U.S. Cl 128/472 A4lc 1/14 [50] Field of Search 428/464, 465, 466, 467, 468, 469, 470, 471, 472; 128/472, 476

I 56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,446,437 8/1948 Schoebel 128/471 I 2,485,570 10/1919 c6061; 128/469 3,212,223 4/1967 w11s6n 128/469 3,067,750 12/1962 Schwartz 128/476 Primary Examiner-Richard A. Gaudet Assistant Examiner-J. B. Mitchell Attorney-Irving Seidman ABSTRACT: A brassiere construction comprising a pair of U- shaped members to which fabric breast cups are secured, having asubstantially rectangular cross-sectional shape in which the longer dimension extends radially of the curvature thereof and in which the respective U-shaped members are hingedly connected so that they may be disposed between a foldable overlying position and an operative wearing position. An improved hinge construction is also provided to limit the relative rotation of the respective U-shaped members in the operative wearing position.

PATENTED SEP28IB7I 3 ,508, 55

sum 1 or 2 INVENTOR. H6 3 STEPHEN PATERSON jii aw ATTORNEY PAlENTEnsarzsum 3,608,556

' snmanrz a INVENTOR.

STEPHEN PATERSON ATTORNEY BRASSIERE CONSTRUCTION BACKGROUND Heretofore wire frames have been utilized which permitted the breast cups to be folded between inoperative overlying positions for purposes of storage and operative wearing position. However, the frame of such brassieres were generally formed of wire having substantially round cross section shapes. For this reason relatively complex hinge means were required to hingedly connect the respective cup frame member to limit the angular rotation thereof in the wearing position. Further it has been observed that the round wires from which the cup frames were formed were subjected to torsional stress during certain body movements of the wearer which adversely affected the support and comfort to the wearer. U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,837,958; 2,626,395; 2,485,570; and 3,312,223are typical of the prior known brassieres capable of folding and upon which the present invention constitutes an improvement thereover.

OBJECTS An object of this invention is to provide an improved sup port frame for a brassiere in which the respective cup frames are hingedly connected for movement between a folded or stored position for storing and an unfolded wearing position with means for limiting the rotation of the respective cup frame members in the wearing position.

Another object is to provide a folding brassiere support frame in which the frame members are defined by flat stock material having a greater degree of lateral flexibility than longitudinal flexibility.

Another object is to provide a folding brassiere frame formed of stock material which resists torsional stress during body movements.

Still another object is to provide for an improved hinging construction for connecting the respective cup frame supports in hinging relationship for moving between the folded and unfolded positions.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The foregoing objects and other features and advantages are attained by a brassiere frame comprising a pair of substantially U-shaped frame members formed of a substantially flat stock material wherein the flat of the material is disposed eontiguous to the body of the wearer about base of the breasts. A hinging means hingedly connects the adjacent end portions of the respective cup members so that at least one ofthe cup frames is free to pivot or rotate in overlapping relationship with respect to the other to facilitate storing. The hinge. construction also permits limited rotation of the cup frames in the wearing position thereof. Rotation of the respective frame members is limited by cooperating complementary means formed integral with the hinge means and the respective end portion of the cup frame members connected thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of the brassiere frame construction of this invention illustrated in the wearing position.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary section taken along line 2-2 on FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating the brassiere frame in the inoperative folded position.

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the blank from which the hinge means is formed.

FIG. 5 is a detail view of the hinge means.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a modified hinge blank.

FIG. 7 is a plane view ofa hinge construction made from the blank of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the hinge construction of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a modified embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line 10-10 on FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a brassiere embodying a support frame of this invention.

Referring to the drawings there is shown in FIG. 11 a brassiere support frame 20 which is fitted into or attached to the cups 21, 22 of a brassiere 23. Brassiere 23 in addition includes the body band 24 adapted to encircle the body of the wearer and shoulder straps 25.

The brassiere support frame as shown in FIG. 1 comprises a pair of substantially U-shaped frame members 26, 27 formed of any suitable material, eg spring steel, plastic, fiber glass or the like. The respective frame members are formed as flat frame members having a rectangular cross section the flat of which is adapted to be disposed against the body of the wearer. Thus it will be noted that the longer dimension of the rectangular cross section of the frame members 26, 27 extends radially of the U-shaped frame members 26, 27.

In the construction shown, the flat frames 26,27 permit the U-shaped members to have a greater degree of lateral flexibility than longitudinal flexibility. The flat construction of the U- shaped frame further prohibits certain torsional stress from occurring during certain body movements.

With the brassiere cups properly secured to the U-shaped frames, as by sewing the respective frame members in a peripheral bead or channel of the breast cups, the bust is firmly supported as the respective frame members snugly embrace the body about the base portion of the breasts. If desired the outer tip ends 26A, 27A, may be coated or covered with a suitable material, e.g. a plastic or resin so as to avoid any sharp edge which may wear through the fabric portion of the brassiere cups.

In accordance with this invention a means is provided for hingedly connecting the adjacent end portions 26B, 278 so that the frame members can be pivoted between an overlapping position as seen in FIG. 3 to an operative wearing position as seen in FIG. 1. The means for hingedly connecting members 26 and 27 comprises a hinge blank 29 having a central web portion 29A and a pair of connected wing or tab portions 298. As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the web portion 29 has a width which is greater than the width of the respective wing or tab portions 29B. The difference in width then defines an abutment or extension or portion 29C.

Informing the hinge from the blank 29 the respective tabs are reversely folded in a direction away from the wearer as indicated in FIG. 5 to define a pair of loop formations 30. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 5, the respective loop formations are sized to rotatably receive end portions 268 and 27B of frame members 26, 27. The hinged ends 26B, 27B of frame members 26, 27 are provided with a notched out or reduced section 31 so as to rotatably accommodate the respective end portions within the loops 30. With the construction described, the adjacent ends 26B, 27B are thus formed with an enlarged head end portion 32 which in the operative position of the brassiere, as shown in FIGS; 1 and 11 will limit the rotation of the frame members to or the operative position. Thus during certain body movements, as in sitting erect, walking or pulling back of the shoulders, the rotation of the frame members is restricted by the abutment of head ends 32 against the hinge extension 29C. However to facilitate storing the respective frame members 26, 27 can be readily rotated in the opposite direction with respect to one another to assume a compact overlying position as seen in FIG. 3.

In the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the hinge 29 is constructed so that both of the frame members 26, 27 are free to rotate within their respective hinge loops 30. However it will be noted that the brassiere can be made to fold if only one of the frame members is rotatably secured to the hinge 29.

As seen in FIG. 9, a modified form of the invention, frame member 40 is fixedly secured within loop 41 of hinge means 42. This is attained by crimping or forming the tab portion defining loop 41 tightly about the end of frame member 40 so as to prohibit relative rotation therebetween. Thus hinge means 42 is fixedly secured to frame member 40. Alternately the hinge may be formed as an integral part of frame member 40. The other loop portion 43 is formed for rotatably receiving the end of the other frame member 44 in a manner similar to that hereinbefore described with respect to FIG. 1. Consequently as seen in FIGS. 9 and 10 frame member 44 is free to rotate relative to frame member 40 between operative and inoperative or folded position. in operation the relative rotation of frame member 44 is limited in the operative or wearing position in the same manner as described with respect to FlG. 1.

ln all other respects the construction and operation of the modified form of the invention depicted by FlGS. 9 and 10 is similar to that described with respect to FIGS. 1 to 5.

FIGS. 6 to 8 illustrate a modified hinge construction which may be employed in hingedly connecting a pair of U-shaped frame members for folding between an operative and inoperative position. Referring to these Figures the modified hinge means 50 comprises a blank 51 having two pair of projecting tabs 52, 52; 53, 53 of substantially uniform width which is less than that of the connecting web 54. As best seen in FIG. 8, the web portion has an extended portion 54A projecting beyond the tabs 52, 52 53, 53.

To form the loops 55, 56 to rotatably receive the ends of the adjacent frame members, the respective pair of tabs 52, 52; 53, 53 are bent inwardly toward one another as shown in H6. 8. To form the brassiere support it will be noted that the adjacent ends of the frame members as hereinbefore described are disposed between the respective pairs of tabs 52, 52 and 53, 53, whereupon the respective pair of tabs 52, 52 and 53, 53 are bent to form loops 56, 56 about the frame ends. The loops 56, 56 so formed loosely received the frame ends so that the latter may rotate relative thereto, with rotation being limited in the operative position in a manner similar to that hereinbefore described with respect to FIG. 1.

It will be understood that with either hinge construction described the flat of the web portion is disposed contiguous to the body of the wearer in the cleavage defined between the breasts and with the loop ends directed away from the body. Suitable covering or padding may be disposed about the hinged connection in the finished brassiere.

Also it will be rotated that the hinge construction of FIGS. 6 to 8, the respective loops 56, 56 defined by tabs 52, 52 or 53, 53 may be formed so as to permit one or the other or both of the frame members to be relatively rotative with respect thereto. This is attained by controlling the degree of bending of the respective tabs 52, 52; 53, 53 with respect to the frame end received therebetween as described herein with respect to FlGS. l to 9.

While the invention has been described with respect to several embodiments, it will be understood and appreciated that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A brassiere support frame comprising a pair of substantially U-shaped frame members having a flat rectangular cross section adapted to conform to the base of the wearers breast,

means for hingedly connecting said U-shaped members whereby said members may be disposed either in a folded overlying position to facilitate storing of a brassiere or an operative wearing position,

said hinge means being adapted to be received in the cleavage between the breasts of the wearer,

said hinge means including a member having opposed single looped portions adjacent the edges thereof,

said looped portions each accommodating an end portion of each of the U-shaped members so that at least on of said U-shaped members is rotated from movement, wearing position to a folded position with a forward movement, and said one rotatable U-shaped member and said hinging means having complementary cooperating portions to limit the rotation of said U-shaped member in the operative wearing position, said complementary portions in eluding an extension formed in said hinge member extending beyond the looped portion,

and a stop means formed on the end of said rotatable U- shaped member to engage the outer edge portion of said abutment to limit the rotation thereof in said wearing position.

2. A brassiere support frame comprising a pair of substantially U-shaped frame members adapted to conform the base of the wearer's breast,

means for hingedly connecting said U-shaped members whereby said members may be disposed either in a folded overlying position to facilitate storing of a brassiere or an operative wearing position, said hinge means being adapted to be received in the cleavage between the breasts of the wearer,

said hinge means including a member having opposed single looped portions adjacent the edges thereof, and an abutment interposed between said opposed single looped portions,

said looped portions each accommodating an end portion of each of the U-shaped members so that at least on of said U-shaped members is rotated forwardly relative to the other for movement between said folded position and wearing position,

and said one rotatable U-shaped member and said hinging means having complementary cooperating portions to limit rearward rotation of said U-shaped member so as to maintain said U-shaped member under spring tension in the operative wearing position,

said complementary portions including an extension formed in said hinge member extending beyond the looped portion,

and a stop means formed on the end of said rotatably U- shaped member to engage the outer edge portion of said abutment to limit the rotation thereof in said wearing position,

wherein said hinge means comprises a plate member having a central web portion, and a connected tab portion extending to either of said web portions,

said tab portions being reversely folded relative to said web portion to define said single looped portion for receiving the ends of said U-shaped member.

3. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said tab portions are reversely bent in an outwardly direction away from the body of the wearer so that the smooth surface of the web position is disposed contiguous to the body of the wearer.

4. The invention as defined in claim 3 wherein said respective tab portions have a width which is less than the width of said web portions.

5. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein one of said looped portions is looped to loosely receive the end of one of said U-shaped members to render said member rotatable relative thereto, and the other looped portion being crimped in such a manner so as to cooperate with the cross section of the other of said U-shaped members to securely fix it thereto.

6. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein each of said looped portions loosely receive the end portions of the respective U-shaped members so that each is rendered rotatable to said hinge means and to each other.

7. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said hinge means includes a web portion,

and a pair of projecting space tabs adjacent each end of said web,

said spaced tabs being adapted to be folded a inwardly toward each other to define a looped portion for receiving an end portion of said U-shaped member.

8. A brassiere support frame comprising a pair of substantially U-shaped frame members adapted to conform to the base of the wearer's breast,

means for hingedly connecting said U-shaped members whereby said members may be disposed eitherin a folded overlying position to facilitate storing of a brassiere or an operative wearing position,

said hinge means being adapted to be received in the cleavage between the breasts of the wearer,

said hinge means including a member having opposed looped portions adjacent the edges thereof,

said looped portions each being adapted to accommodate an end portion of each of theU-shaped members so that at least one of said U-shaped members is rotated relative to the other for movement to said folded position and wearing position,

and said one rotatable U-shaped member and said hinging means having complementary cooperating portions to limit the rotation of said U-shaped member in the operative wearing position,

said complementary portions including an extension formed in said hinge member extending beyond the looped portion,

and a stop means formed on the end of said rotatable U- shaped member to engage said abutment to limit the rotation thereof in said wearing position,

wherein said hinge means comprises a plate member having a central web portion, and a connected tab portion extending to either of said web portions,

said tab portions being reversely folded relative to said web portion to define said looped portion for receiving the ends of said U-shaped member,

said tab portions being reversely bent in an outwardly direction away from the body of the wearer so that the smooth surface of the web portion is disposed contiguous to the body of the wearer,

and said respective tab portions having a width which is less than the width of said web portion,

each of said U-shaped members comprising a substantially flat wire having a rectangular cross-sectional area, the flat of which is disposed contiguous to the body of the wearer in the wearing position,

and the end of said flat wire received in the looped portion being provided with a notchedout portion,

said notchedout portion being slightly greater than the width of said looped portion,

and the portion of said wire extending beyond the notched portion defining a stop abutment adapted to engage the extended end of said web portion.

9. The invention as defined in claim 8 and including a a pair of brassiere cups,

and means for securing a brassiere cup to each of said U- shaped frame members,

and means for securing said brassiere frame and cups to the body of the wearer.

10 The invention as defined in claim 8 wherein the longer dimension of said rectangular cross section extends radially of the curvature of said U-shaped members and said U-shaped members having a greater degree of lateral flexibility than longitudinal flexibility. 

1. A brassiere support frame comprising a pair of substantially U-shaped frame members having a flat rectangular cross section adapteD to conform to the base of the wearer''s breast, means for hingedly connecting said U-shaped members whereby said members may be disposed either in a folded overlying position to facilitate storing of a brassiere or an operative wearing position, said hinge means being adapted to be received in the cleavage between the breasts of the wearer, said hinge means including a member having opposed single looped portions adjacent the edges thereof, said looped portions each accommodating an end portion of each of the U-shaped members so that at least one of said U-shaped members is rotated from a wearing position to a folded position with a forward movement, and said one rotatable U-shaped member and said hinging means having complementary cooperating portions to limit the rotation of said U-shaped member in the operative wearing position, said complementary portions including an extension formed in said hinge member extending beyond the looped portion, and a stop means formed on the end of said rotatable U-shaped member to engage the outer edge portion of said abutment to limit the rotation thereof in said wearing position.
 2. A brassiere support frame comprising a pair of substantially U-shaped frame members adapted to conform the base of the wearer''s breast, means for hingedly connecting said U-shaped members whereby said members may be disposed either in a folded overlying position to facilitate storing of a brassiere or an operative wearing position, said hinge means being adapted to be received in the cleavage between the breasts of the wearer, said hinge means including a member having opposed single looped portions adjacent the edges thereof, and an abutment interposed between said opposed single looped portions, said looped portions each accommodating an end portion of each of the U-shaped members so that at least one of said U-shaped members is rotated forwardly relative to the other for movement between said folded position and wearing position, and said one rotatable U-shaped member and said hinging means having complementary cooperating portions to limit rearward rotation of said U-shaped member so as to maintain said U-shaped member under spring tension in the operative wearing position, said complementary portions including an extension formed in said hinge member extending beyond the looped portion, and a stop means formed on the end of said rotatably U-shaped member to engage the outer edge portion of said abutment to limit the rotation thereof in said wearing position, wherein said hinge means comprises a plate member having a central web portion, and a connected tab portion extending to either of said web portions, said tab portions being reversely folded relative to said web portion to define said single looped portion for receiving the ends of said U-shaped member.
 3. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said tab portions are reversely bent in an outwardly direction away from the body of the wearer so that the smooth surface of the web position is disposed contiguous to the body of the wearer.
 4. The invention as defined in claim 3 wherein said respective tab portions have a width which is less than the width of said web portions.
 5. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein one of said looped portions is looped to loosely receive the end of one of said U-shaped members to render said member rotatable relative thereto, and the other looped portion being crimped in such a manner so as to cooperate with the cross section of the other of said U-shaped members to securely fix it thereto.
 6. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein each of said looped portions loosely receive the end portions of the respective U-shaped members so that each is rendered rotatable to said hinge means and to each other.
 7. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said hinge means includes a web portion, and a pair of projecTing space tabs adjacent each end of said web, said spaced tabs being adapted to be folded a inwardly toward each other to define a looped portion for receiving an end portion of said U-shaped member.
 8. A brassiere support frame comprising a pair of substantially U-shaped frame members adapted to conform to the base of the wearer''s breast, means for hingedly connecting said U-shaped members whereby said members may be disposed either in a folded overlying position to facilitate storing of a brassiere or an operative wearing position, said hinge means being adapted to be received in the cleavage between the breasts of the wearer, said hinge means including a member having opposed looped portions adjacent the edges thereof, said looped portions each being adapted to accommodate an end portion of each of the U-shaped members so that at least one of said U-shaped members is rotated relative to the other for movement to said folded position and wearing position, and said one rotatable U-shaped member and said hinging means having complementary cooperating portions to limit the rotation of said U-shaped member in the operative wearing position, said complementary portions including an extension formed in said hinge member extending beyond the looped portion, and a stop means formed on the end of said rotatable U-shaped member to engage said abutment to limit the rotation thereof in said wearing position, wherein said hinge means comprises a plate member having a central web portion, and a connected tab portion extending to either of said web portions, said tab portions being reversely folded relative to said web portion to define said looped portion for receiving the ends of said U-shaped member, said tab portions being reversely bent in an outwardly direction away from the body of the wearer so that the smooth surface of the web portion is disposed contiguous to the body of the wearer, and said respective tab portions having a width which is less than the width of said web portion, each of said U-shaped members comprising a substantially flat wire having a rectangular cross-sectional area, the flat of which is disposed contiguous to the body of the wearer in the wearing position, and the end of said flat wire received in the looped portion being provided with a notchedout portion, said notchedout portion being slightly greater than the width of said looped portion, and the portion of said wire extending beyond the notched portion defining a stop abutment adapted to engage the extended end of said web portion.
 9. The invention as defined in claim 8 and including a a pair of brassiere cups, and means for securing a brassiere cup to each of said U-shaped frame members, and means for securing said brassiere frame and cups to the body of the wearer. 10 The invention as defined in claim 8 wherein the longer dimension of said rectangular cross section extends radially of the curvature of said U-shaped members and said U-shaped members having a greater degree of lateral flexibility than longitudinal flexibility. 